Learn how to use Greek yogurt to lighten up recipes in this roundup of 100+ sweet and savory Greek yogurt recipes.

Greek yogurt can easily be used as a healthy substitute for higher fat ingredients, as well as a way to boost protein in recipes. I’ve found Greek yogurt to be a versatile ingredient as it can mimic creaminess, thicken foods, and serve to keep foods moist. No longer is Greek yogurt simply breakfast in a cup (although I do enjoy it that way too).

Greek yogurt comes in non-fat, low-fat and full fat versions, so when looking to use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute, choose non-fat or low-fat varieties.

I’ve used Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for:

Sour cream

Mayonnaise

Oil

Cream cheese

Heavy cream

It also makes a healthy addition to smoothies and is a great way to keep lean proteins moist.

Here are some ways to use Greek yogurt as a healthy ingredient in cooking and baking:

In Dips in place of mayonnaise, sour cream and cream cheese

In Salad Dressings in place of mayonnaise and sour cream

In Casseroles, Soups and Sauces in place of heavy cream and sour cream

In Marinades to keep lean proteins moist

In Muffins, Cupcakes and Pancakes in place of oil or butter

I’ve collected a huge assortment of recipes from fellow food bloggers that use Greek yogurt as a healthy substitute in some fashion for inspiration. Take a look.

Harriet, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the oil/fat in the recipe. Here’s a recipe I found from The Shiska in the Kitchen for banana bread. She uses Greek yogurt and applesauce (another way to reduce the amount of oil/fat in baking) to cut back the fat in her recipe. http://theshiksa.com/2012/06/13/greek-yogurt-banana-nut-bread/